Jerald Emerson "Jerry" Jenkins

1929 - 2023

Jerald Emerson "Jerry" Jenkins was born July 1, 1929 to Rev. I.E. Jenkins and Morna Valentine Smith Jenkins in York, Nebraska. He was swept up in the arms of Jesus April 8, 2023. Oh! What an amazing, well-lived life.

While serving at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Jerry attended a church with his buddies. There, he met his first blessing, Marilyn Scott. They were married on June 18, 1953, in San Angelo, Texas and together they raised five children: Jet, Jerry Scott, Keith, Marcie and Suzy.

After serving in the Air Force for five years, the family moved to Ohio, where he coached basketball and other sports and taught World History. While living in Ohio, he and his wife served the church in various areas.

They moved back to San Angelo, Texas in 1962, where Jerry coached and taught at Robert E. Lee Junior High School for five years. While in San Angelo, Jerry served the church as their choir director alongside his wife as the organist.

Jerry and his family moved from San Angelo to Fredericksburg, Texas in 1967 where he taught and coached in the FISD for 28 years. He also served as choral director at FMS and FHS for a large portion of those years where he took opportunities to mentor and lead students.

Upon retirement, Jerry continued to serve the church as choir director and in various other ministry opportunities. Jerry and Marilyn took advantage of their retirement time to travel visiting various countries and family located throughout the United States.

Through friends, Jerry met his second blessing, Betty Jo Busby. They were married Jan. 1, 2007. Together, they celebrated life with their new families.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 16 years, Betty; by three daughters, one son, and their families; Jet & Weldon Itz, Garet & Sarah Itz, Lauren Itz, Scott & Alissa Itz and family; Keith & Teresa Jenkins, Kyle Jenkins, Kayla Jenkins and family; Marcie & Scott Wright, Austin & Jessica Wright, Baylee & Reeves Blankenship; Suzy & Brandon Cass, Colton Cass, Caden Cass, Clayton Cass.

He is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Evie, Emerson, Liam, Henry and Walker Itz, and Kamden Jenkins. Also surviving Jerry are his sisters, Darlene Long and Phyllis Heitz of Ohio; brother, Rev. Kenneth Jenkins of Pearland, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry is also survived by his extended family: Linda & Craig Kennedy and family, Lisa & Greg Alexander and family, Vicki & Darb Hurley and family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Scott Jenkins; his son, Jerry Scott Jenkins; his parents, Rev. I.E. and Morna Jenkins; sister, Marietta Winemiller, and brother, Donald Jenkins.

Visitation was held Thursday, April 13, from 3-4 p.m. in the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church with the Funeral Service at 4 p.m.

Graveside services and interment with military honors followed at Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given in his memory to the Fredericksburg Food Pantry, VFW Fredericksburg Post 7105, or the charity of your choice.

Pallbearers:

Garet Itz

Scott Itz

Kyle Jenkins

Austin Wright

Colton Cass

Caden Cass

Clayton Cass

Honorary Pallbearers:

Brandon Kennedy

Ryan Kennedy

Matthew Alexander

Adam Alexander

Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com

Arrangements under the direction of Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredericksburg, Texas.